A mum-of-three has said she is opening her own Stevenage pre-school to address a shortage of places which has left parents with a real headache.

Clare Cole, of Finbracks in Great Ashby, is planning to open Clare’s Little Bears pre-school at Stanmore Hall in Basils Road in the next few weeks.

Clare, who has three children of her own and has been a childminder since 2009, says the time is right to progress her career.

“My children are all at school now and I just feel ready to take the next step,” she said.

“While running a pre-school is different to child minding, the principles are the same.

“One of the main reasons I decided to start this up is because I found it really hard to get a session at a pre-school close to me. There were only full-time places, and that’s too much when children are only two years old.

“I’m aware it’s hard for parents to get pre-school places, especially part-time hours. There hasn’t been a new pre-school opening for such a long time in a much-needed area and there is a shortage of free funded places children aged two to four.

“We aim to provide a high standard of education and care in a happy, relaxed and secure environment.”

Clare will have at least three staff members, all of whom have the necessary qualifications.

Clare’s Little Bears will offer up to 24 places per session for children aged two to five, with sessions running from 9.15am to 12.15pm and from 1pm to 3.45pm. There will also be a lunch club. Free funding for those aged three and four is also available for 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year, and some children aged two may also be eligible.

To find out more, contact Clare’s Little Bears on 07917 363980 or email info@clareslittlebears.co.uk.